Pneumatic Jib Crane Feeds Workpieces to CNC

Workpieces for CNC machines are heavy, yet the machine opening is narrow, so operators have to carry and thread each piece through the gap to set it on the work table. Every misaligned load-in means lifting it back out and starting over, wasting machine uptime and risking a collision with the tool turret.

FullSharp installed a column-mounted pneumatic jib crane right beside the machine. The arm swings directly over the work table area, and because the lifting is pneumatic, the operator can fine-tune the position bit by bit until the workpiece sits exactly on center.

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines

The column-mounted pneumatic jib crane feeding a workpiece onto the CNC machine's work table.

Installed Equipment

Mounting column and swivel joint: a steel column fixed beside the machine, with a smooth-turning joint that swings the arm in and out of the work table area.
Pneumatic swing arm: air-powered lifting at a slow, controllable speed for accurate positioning at the load point.
Workpiece holding fixture: keeps the workpiece oriented correctly while it passes through the machine opening, preventing free rotation.
Control handle and safety valve: operated from the handle, with a valve that holds the load if air pressure drops.

Key Specifications

Equipment typePneumatic jib crane
Mounting typeColumn-mounted
ApplicationFeeding workpieces into CNC machines
Installation photos13 photos

Benefits for the Plant

Machines start sooner

Fast, accurate loading with fewer redo cycles clearly cuts machine downtime.

No turret collisions

The workpiece stays on a fixed heading as it passes through the machine opening.

Less strain on operators

The swing arm carries the workpiece's weight; the operator only guides direction and centers it.

Actual Installation Photos

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 1

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 2

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 3

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 4

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 5

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 6

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 7

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 8

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 9

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 10

Pneumatic Column-Mounted Jib Crane for Feeding Workpieces into CNC Machines - photo 11

Click a photo to enlarge. An 11-photo album taken on site.

Suitable Applications

CNC machining shops, milling centers
Feeding workpieces to vertical lathes
Fixture and mold changeover areas
Precision machining workshops

Consultation for Your Plant's Installation

FullSharp surveys the column location, clearance around the machine, and the maximum workpiece weight. From there we finalize the arm reach, column height, and holding fixture to match the CNC machine you are using.